YPSILANTI, Mich. - Ball State women's basketball team handed Eastern Michigan only its second loss of the season after earning a 70-66 Mid-American Conference victory Thursday night at the Convocation Center.

With the win the Cardinals improve to 6-7 overall and 1-1 in the MAC while the Eagles fall to 11-2 on the year and 1-1 in league action.

Brittany Carter led the Ball State attack with 18 points plus added three rebounds. Shelbie Justice tallied 15 points and pulled down a career high 12 rebounds. Nathalie Fontaine ended the night with 12 points and Brandy Woody contributed nine points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. For the game, Ball State out-rebounded Eastern Michigan 51-to-40.

Eastern Michigan opened the second half with a 16-8 run given the Eagles their first lead of the ball game (47-44) with 13:10 remaining in the half. After that, both teams traded baskets which consisted of four lead changes and two ties.

The game was tied 52-52 at the 8:12 mark, Ball State would then orchestrate a 13-4 run to give the Cardinals a 65-56 advantage over the Eagles with 2:55 left in the game. The Cardinals would hit their free throws down the stretch to seal the win.

The Cardinals took an early 6-0 lead with 17:49 on the clock after back-to-back three pointers from Carter and Fontaine. Ball State would then go on a 20-8 run to take a 12-point edge over Eastern Michigan with 10 minutes shaved off the clock.

After that, the Eagles went on a 7-1 run to cut the Cardinals lead to 21-15 at the 8:34 mark. The Cardinals responded off of free throws and a three point basket from Jill Morrison to put Ball State back up by 11 (26-15) with 7:29 remaining. Ball State would remain in control the remainder of the half, heading into intermission with a 36-31 advantage over Eastern Michigan.

The Ball State women's basketball team will host Kent State in its Mid-American Conference home opener Sunday at 2 p.m. in Worthen Arena.